The 2017 squad of the Indigenous Marathon Project will converge on the Gold Coast this weekend to run their first half-marathon as part of their training for the New York City Marathon in November.
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With beautiful weather, a fast, flat course and the chance for squad members to reconnect, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is always a big event in the IMF calendar, and the longest run yet for the squad to take on.
Indigenous Marathon Foundation director Rob de Castella said he was looking forward to seeing the six men and six women reunited after weeks of training apart.
”It is getting very real for our 2017 IMP squad,” he said.
“They step up from no running to the half-marathon this weekend, and continue their Cert IV Sport & Rec studies.
“This run will be the longest and the biggest running event they have ever participated in, many never having run in a local fun run before.
“But they won’t be alone – we have 15 IMP graduates also running across the weekend, so there is plenty of inspiration, support and encouragement for them.
“It’s going to be a great weekend.”
In addition to the half-marathon, the squad will also work on the educational component of the program, and meet up with inspirational IMP graduates, including Jack Wilson, the star of Channel Nine’s soon-to-air action show Australian Ninja Warrior.
After the Gold Coast camp, runners will return to their communities and start training for the next high-profile event in their diaries... the Sun-Herald City2Surf.
The IMP is a program of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, a not‐for‐profit Foundation established by Rob de Castella.
Each year IMP selects a squad of 12 young Indigenous men and women, to train for the New York City Marathon in November.
They complete a compulsory education component – a Certificate IV in Sport & Rec, media training and coaching accreditation – and through their achievements celebrate Indigenous resilience and success.
The IMF relies on the generous support of the Australian Government Department of Health, Department of PM&C, Department of Regional Australia, local Government, Arts and Sport, Qantas, ASICS, Accor and the Australian public.
